We welcome you to ‘ Illangi’ (camp on a hill), your beautiful rammed earth, ‘off grid’ retreat nestled in the hills of Toolangi and bordered by the Yea River. Toolangi, or more accurately ‘dhulangi’ in the indigenous dialect, means ‘tall trees’ and it is the state forest of tall Mountain Ash trees that provides the back drop to your stunning accommodation.
Toolangi lies just 20 minutes drive through rain forest from Healesville with its many wineries, cafes, gourmet food stores, galleries, markets and of course, the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. It offers an abundance of peaceful walks, hikes, bike trails and bird watching opportunities and the Toolangi blueberry farm is definitely worth a visit to self pick blueberries, have a light meal or enjoy an icecream.
The home, which we built with the help of family for our young family nearly 10 years ago, stands on a rise on a 40 acre property shared with other family members. Your accommodation is an entire home and is totally separate from theirs providing both privacy and stunning views of Mount St Leonard, farmland and bush.
Beyond the home’s rammed earth walls you will find a beautiful, mostly native, garden to explore, with fruit trees and berries bushes, and unfenced paddocks bounded by forests concealing an abundance of wildlife - lyrebirds, parrots, owls, wallaby, wombats, echidnas and bandicoots (and the odd deer!) to mention just a few. Please also note potential for snake sightings as the Australian bush is their home too.
Materials used for the build were sourced sustainably and locally and the house operates using solar powered energy and heat generated from the wood stove (of course with a back up self starting generator in times of grey days!). All water is rainwater collected and abundant.
The house can sleep 7-8 people with 2 bedrooms comprising a main with a queen bed, a second bedroom with 3 singles which can be converted to a queen and a single, and a sofa bed in the huge living area which can be easily converted to a very comfortable double bed.
At the heart of the open kitchen/living space is the wood stove/heater which not only makes the living space warm and snug but also heats hot water radiators to take the chill off the bedrooms. Enjoy using this to heat water and food or use the (bottled) gas stove and oven on warm summer days when the fire is out.
A beautiful, long claw foot bath with magical garden views and beyond offers a wonderful place to enjoy some self care and soak it all in. The toilet is separate to the bathroom.
Please note we do not have wifi available but reception is good using your mobile hotspot so it is easy to stay connected with the outside world if required.
Whatever your preference this sanctuary will leave you feeling nurtured, rested and restored.
